My first assignment in my newspaper was education and culture. I love music, which allowed me to interview musicians who visited our city for concerts.
Once the Moscow virtuosi, conducted by Vladimir Spivakov, had to perform in our old theatre. I had to interview him, but the newspaper didn’t give me tickets for the concert, so I waited for him backstage with the theater workers. We sneaked from one side of the stage, and we only could see the conductor who also played the violin.
It was a success. There were several encores, and the audience was delighted.
In the end, Spivakov, turned his gaze to us, the workers at the backstage and played for us the Franz Schubert’s Standchen Serenade. It was a luxury having such a virtuoso playing a piece dedicated to the few people who were invisible to everybody at the theatre. The ovation of the audience was outstanding.
On another occasion, the Orpheus Orchestra had a concert, and I was in the same position. It’s a US orchestra that plays without a conductor. Among their musicians, they choose who will lead each piece they perform.
Because they have to see each other very clearly, because nobody is standing holding the baton, a significant part of the secret of their success is in the chairs’ disposition. So they had a team who changed the chairs between one piece and the next in a matter of seconds. They enjoyed their job and were smiling and optimistic.
The music resulting was unforgettable. So beautiful. Another big success.
I have many sublime music stories from that old theatre backstage, but I just picked up these two.
Now our city has built a new auditorium with new rules. It’s more challenging to access to the backstage.
I no longer work in the newspaper. When I go to a concert, I buy my ticket, and I don’t have to interview anybody, just enjoy the music.
The featured picture is from the website of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.